Public Housing

The District of Columbia public housing portfolio consists of more than 8,000 apartment or townhome units in 56 properties owned and managed by the District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA). DCHA serves as the landlord for close to 20,000 residents who call public housing home.

Public housing units provide very low-income families, seniors and disabled persons the financial assistance they need to live in safe, well maintained and affordable rental homes. There are income requirements for public housing and priority is given to those who are in greatest need.

Within the Public Housing program residents take a leadership role. Three public housing residents are elected by their peers to serve a three-year term on the eleven-member DCHA Board of Commissioners. A citywide Resident Advisory Board assists DCHA leadership in developing and reviewing housing policies and programs. And elected Resident Councils in all public housing developments serve residents’ needs and help build stronger communities.

A number of services are also helping residents of public housing lead independent and productive lives through programs to improve job skills; continue education; encourage youth summer employment, education and recreation; and promote public safety.